Mixed reaction to DFDS inter-island ferry plans

Proposals by ferry operator DFDS for a new inter-island service between the Channel Islands via the UK could boost tourism but would not help islanders hoping to compete in weekend tournaments on Jersey, residents have said.

Travellers from Jersey could disembark in Guernsey on a Friday night but Guernsey passengers heading to Jersey could only get on when the ferry completed its return from the UK on Monday.

Dog owner Derryn de Carteret, who takes part in the Channel Island Dog Show, said the proposed route "doesn't help for us to go over to Jersey" to compete.

Charlie Walker, interim co-chair of the Tourism Management Board, said: "We can only look positively to an increase in connectivity."

De Carteret said: "Hopefully there'll be more discussion" between DFDS and Brittany Ferries about more inter-island services."

She explained there was not enough room on charter boats for everyone who would like to compete and it was not practical if taking several dogs, and many dog-owners were facing having to miss the show on Saturday 14 February.

She said islanders were competing in the UK instead because of the travel difficulties.

Walker said the plans could open up the market from Jersey "if there's a reliable service".

She said the inter-island link was "critical" to boost tourism and sport, adding it needed to be marketed properly and prove there was a commercial appetite to travel to Guernsey.

The island has seen "an incredible increase" in French travellers with an extra 37,000 last year.

Walker said if would "be fantastic" if there was a year-round service and said tourism had extended with the Guernsey rally and the season ending in October, instead of September.

The DFDS proposals still need to be approved by Guernsey's States.

The Committee for Economic Development has been approached for comment.

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